IS SPERM DONATION RIGHT FOR ME?

Donor sperm is needed for lots of different reasons. For some infertile men, it’s their only chance to have a baby, and for single women and same-sex couples too.

And this is why we need you. If you’re a healthy man aged 18-45, you’re more in demand than ever to help people have a family.

Donating your sperm is one of the most selfless and greatest things you can ever do. But before you apply, here’s what you need to think about first.

Ask yourself these questions – your answers may help you decide if sperm donation is right for you:

Am I prepared to undergo medical screening? All potential sperm donors are thoroughly health-screened. This doesn’t involve us just checking your sperm, we also test for common conditions, STIs and HIV.

Do I know my family’s medical history? We need to know if you have any family history of genetic or hereditary conditions, to assess if there’s a risk of something being passed onto any child born using your sperm.

Do I agree to be identifiable to any children born? All sperm donors must agree to be identifiable to any children born. But being identifiable doesn’t mean liable. You’re not the child’s legal parent and have no financial, moral or legal obligation to children. Being identifiable means that any children born with your help have the right to apply to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) for details about you when they turn 18, if they wish to know who you are.

Do I agree to be registered with the HFEA? When you join Semovo, you’ll also join HFEA’s register of UK sperm donors. This register is used by the HFEA to log the number of births using your sperm, and to identify you if a donor-conceived person applies to find out who you are in future.

Do I agree to maintain my sexual health? We ask that you don’t put yourself at risk of any STIs during your time as a sperm donor. You must also abstain from ejaculation in the days before every donation at our clinic, to make sure your sperm quality is at its highest at the time you give us your sample.

Do I have the time to be a sperm donor? Donating sperm isn’t a quick process. It can take several months from initial application to actual donation, and once accepted we need you to make regular visits to your Semovo clinic to donate. But that’s why we have regional sperm donation clinics, so it’s convenient for you to donate to us when it suits you.

Am I happy to have counselling? Counselling is mandatory for all sperm donors, and it’s a vital part of the process. It’s where we explain to you all the implications of sperm donation and your rights, so you can truly make an informed decision about becoming a sperm donor. Your counselling takes place early in the process, and your sessions can be done face-to-face at your local Semovo clinic or online via Skype –whatever is most convenient to you.

Am I prepared to write a sperm donor profile? Your sperm donor profile is one of the most important documents – it’s where you get to tell patients how great you are! You have the opportunity to write a goodwill message for the person using your sperm and any child they have, and explain what you’re like as a person and your hobbies and interests. We’ll give you guidance on what to say if you’re not sure.

Speak to the Semovo team

If you have any questions at all about donating sperm, our friendly team can help on 0345 266 1272. You can also explore more about the sperm donation process, FAQs and where your nearest Semovo clinic is. If you’d like to donate sperm, you can apply here.